Hunting molecules with an infrared beam Using an infrared beam, scientists can detect and analyze molecules contained in an aqueous solution, but only with a limited degree of precision. While she was at Boston University, Hatice Altug, now a researcher at EPFL, developed a technique of light concentration based on gold nanoparticles, which increases interactions between infrared photons and molecules. This new technique leads to a dramaticaly increased precision, and shows particular promise for medical research.
Infrared beam
The molecules that are being analyzed move about freely in the liquid.
Water molecules interact with the light beam and interfere with the measurement.
Infrared beam
Thanks to gold nanoparticles. the device concentrate light and also capture molecules (proteins, drugs, pollutants...)
detection and analysis The beam is reflected... Au
detection and analysis
Current device
... thereby preventing the interference of watermolecules.
New device